6 killed as car falls into 800-foot ravine in Maharashtra’s Nashik; PM Modi expresses grief
On Sunday, a family of six lost their lives when their car went off the road and fell into a ravine about 800 feet deep near the Saptashrungi Mata shrine in Nashik district, Maharashtra, a local official reported. The vehicle was heading toward the temple when the driver tried to overtake a vehicle near Bhavari waterfall—a spot notorious for tight turns and a narrow lane—when he apparently lost control and the car plunged into the valley below.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragedy. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Nashik, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover soon,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.
Police confirmed that everyone aboard was part of the Patel clan, traveling together for a pilgrimage. The deceased were identified as Kirti Patel (50), Rasila Patel (50), Vitthal Patel (65), Lata Patel (60), Pachan Patel (60) and Maniben Patel (60). All of them were closely related, according to investigators.
First responders from the local police station, the Saptashrungi Gad Disaster Management Team and the Saptashrungi Gad Gram Panchayat arrived shortly after the incident was reported. The steep drop and rugged terrain, however, made it extremely difficult to reach the wreckage, which lies roughly 800 feet below the road.
Residents in the area have voiced frustration over the state of the ghat road, claiming that poor maintenance and lack of safety features at the problematic curve contributed to the accident. They point to repeated complaints that the Public Works Department has not repaired the damaged stretch. Police are now investigating whether speeding, the road’s condition or driver error was the cause of the fatal crash.
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